The effect of a new geometric bicycle saddle on the genital-perineal vascular perfusion of female cyclists

Purpose. - Female cyclists undergo a perineal compression of the pudendal nerve and genital-perineal area, with underexptored effects on genital injuries and sexual dysfunctions. This study tests the effects of a new geometric bicycle saddle (SMP) on perineal compression, blood perfusion, genital sensation and sexual function. Methods. - Thirty-three professional female athletes were monitored when using both the new saddle and a traditional professional saddle, in a randomized order. Short-term effects are estimated by measuring the partial pressure of vagina transcutaneous oxygen (Ptc02) before using the saddle, after 10 minutes of static sitting, after riding 20 minutes. Long-term effects are estimated by measuring athletes Female Sexual Distress Scale (FSDS) before using the new saddle and after 6 months using it. Results. - From an initial average of 70 mmHg, Ptc02 decreases by 30 mmHg after riding on a traditional saddle, 10mmHg on the new saddle (respectively 20 and 7 after just sitting). When using the traditional saddle all FSDS scores are welt over the 12 "normality" threshold, with an average of 41, while after using the new saddle the average falls to 12. All differences between the saddles are strongly significant: paired t-tests >6; P< 0.001; 95% confidence intervals respectively 13 +/- 3 mmHg after sitting, 20 +3 mmHg after riding, 29 +/- 2 FSDS scores. Conclusion. - Traditional saddles have strong negative effects on the vascular perfusion of the vulva, with possible consequences on female sexual functions. The SMP saddle reduces the compression on the pelvic floor and can help reducing the incidence of urogenital pathologies for female cyclists. (C) 2019 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.